Overview
We’re planning the next stage of Coral Bay’s energy future with the replacement of ageing wind turbines to maintain and grow renewable energy contributions in this unique coastal community on the edge of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area.
Coral Bay’s existing wind turbines have played an important role in reducing reliance on diesel generation and lowering emissions. With these assets now approaching the end of their operational life, Horizon Power is assessing the feasibility of replacing them with modern, more efficient solutions.
We’re currently exploring options that will help increase renewable energy generation and support decarbonisation, while continuing to provide reliable and affordable power for the Coral Bay community.
How does Coral Bay's current system work?
Coral Bay’s standalone microgrid blends three 275 kW wind turbines, multiple low-load diesel generators, a battery energy storage system, and advanced controls to deliver reliable power to this remote coastal town.
Through the hybrid configuration, wind generation contributes approximately 45% of Coral Bay’s annual electricity consumption. This significantly reduces diesel use and related CO₂ emissions.
What's happening now?
We’re in the options assessment and community engagement phase of the project. This includes technical analysis, economic modelling, and early engagement with Traditional Owners, residents and key stakeholders in the Coral Bay area.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) was issued July 2025, seeking input from technology providers to inform the design of Coral Bay's future wind generation system.
We’ll continue to share updates and consult the community as planning progresses.
Community collaboration
We’re using Horizon Power’s Future Energy Framework to work closely with local residents, Traditional Owners, businesses, and government agencies to co-design solutions that reflect Coral Bay's unique character and aspirations.
This includes considering land access, heritage factors and the broader vision for the Gascoyne region’s clean energy future.
Frequently asked questions
-
Are the turbines just servicing the town of Coral Bay?
Yes. Coral Bay’s wind turbines are fully integrated into the town’s standalone microgrid, which supplies power exclusively to the local community. The turbines are not connected to the broader electricity grid and work alongside diesel generation, solar panels and battery storage to help provide reliable and cleaner energy for Coral Bay.
-
Why are you replacing the wind turbines?
Coral Bay’s wind turbines were installed in the early 2000s and are now approaching the end of their operational life. They’ve made an important contribution to reducing diesel use and supporting cleaner energy, but their age means they are becoming less efficient and more expensive to maintain.
Replacing them with modern, more efficient technology will help ensure Coral Bay continues to benefit from reliable, renewable energy as part of a secure and sustainable power system.
-
Will the new turbines be more efficient?
Yes, the new turbines planned for Coral Bay are expected to be more efficient than the existing ones. Overall, the replacement of Coral Bay's wind turbines is anticipated to bring about increased efficiency and reliability, contributing to the town's sustainable energy future.
-
How does Coral Bay benefit from this project?
Coral Bay will benefit through the increased generation and use of clean, renewable energy leading to a reduction in fossil fuel consumption, and improved energy reliability. Upgrading the wind turbines will ensure the community maintains a significant renewable energy contribution and reduces long-term operating costs. The project is also designed to accommodate future population growth and demand.
-
How long will the replacement project take?
The current phase includes community consultation, engineering assessments, and an Expression of Interest (EOI) undertaken for mid-2025. Once a preferred solution is selected and all regulatory approvals are in place, the wind turbine replacement project is expected to take approximately three years to complete.
-
Will the old wind turbines be recycled?
We're currently exploring the feasibility of recycling components from the existing turbines, including assessing which parts can be recycled, identifying the nearest suitable recycling facilities, and evaluating the costs involved.
-
How does this affect me?
Communities are at the heart of our Future Energy System planning framework, and all members of the community are invited to provide their feedback.
-
What is Future Energy System Planning?
Future Energy System Planning is a public process in which Horizon Power works together with our communities and stakeholders to identify and explore energy options to shape their future energy system.
We engage and inform local communities, Local Government Authorities, Traditional Owner groups and key stakeholders to determine long-term energy solutions that best meet their needs. This includes seeking support on acquiring land on which to build the generation facility.
We work to balance the demand, reliability and future energy needs of our towns with the voices and opinions of those who help make it a community.
What's happening and when?
Here's a high level timeline of what to expect, subject to change as the project progresses.
2024 to mid-2025
Project scoping and feasibility
This first phase involved identifying the need to replace Coral Bay's ageing wind turbines and assessing potential future energy system pathways.
October 2025 to mid-2026
Project planning and market engagement
Phase 2 of the project involves undertaking community engagement activities and preparing for an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to identify potential technology solutions and delivery partners.
Mid-2026 to mid-2027
Request for Tender (RFT)
In Phase 3, we’ll invite detailed proposals through a Request for Tender. This will help us assess the most suitable wind generation technology and delivery model for Coral Bay's needs.
Late 2027
Business case and approvals
A business case, including the recommended technology and delivery pathway, will be presented to Horizon Power’s Executive and Board, followed by submission to government authorities for approval. We expect to share a construction timeline by the end of 2026, pending all required approvals.
2027 to 2028
Project delivery
Once approved, we’ll move into the design, construction and installation phase. This will include replacing the ageing turbines and integrating the new system with Coral Bay's existing energy infrastructure.
Late 2029
Project completed
The upgraded wind generation system will be operational—helping to deliver cleaner, more reliable energy and supporting Coral Bay's transition to a more sustainable future.
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.